1851 Navy Cylinder won't turn

[ezypikns]

If I drive the wedge back in reasonably tight, the cylinder won't turn at all. When I take the wedge out, the cylinder turns fine, but when I reinsert it it won't even go thru the slot in the opposite side before it locks up again.
Obviously I'm putting in in a bind, but I don't want to shoot it loose. Suggestions?

 

[Tommygunn]

If it binds before it goes into the slot on the right side, the gun was made wrongly. Is this a brand new gun?
Something is wrong here; these guns are proofed at the factory in Italy (by the Italian Proof House to be specific) They should work then, and work now...but we get bad guns once in awhile.
If it were me, and this was a new gun, I would return it to the seller and ask for a replacement.

 

[O.S.O.K.]

yep

I agree - if its brand new, then return for replacement... unless....

The cylinder is pressing against the forcing cone (rear of the barrel) and preventing rotation, and it might be that you are driving the wedge in too far? It should only go in just far enough that the retaining spring end sticks out of the other side - no further. I would suggest that one could cause the cylinder to bind with most of the colt designs by driving the key in too far, too forcefully. But, I haven't tested this!

This would be a natural thing to do as you get started, so don't feel bad it this is it.

As you shoot, the design naturally forces the barrel forward, cylinder back, so you don't have to be concerned about it tightening during operation.

 

[ezypikns]

That's the problem.

I cant even push the wedge in far enough that the retaining spring comes thru the slot (without binding). And this isn't a new pistol, although I doubt I've shot it more than a few dozen times. If I can't insert the wedge in far enough so that the retaing spring comes thru, what's going to hold it together?

 

[Old Dragoon]

Is your hand(the pistol's) in the way (binding the back)of the cylinder? Is there maybe a spent cap in the works?

 

[BigG]

Is your hand(the pistol's) in the way (binding the back)of the cylinder? Is there maybe a spent cap in the works?

I too think there is some assembly problem other than the wedge. Is the hammer on half cock?

 

[O.S.O.K.]

hmmm

Did this happen after you took it apart and reassembled or did it "come" this way? I too am suspecting something being out of place/alignment,etc.

I would take it apart and look at pictures, etc. and be sure to reassemble in the right order and such - were you attempting to insert the key in from the right side?

I replaced the cylinder on my Pietta 1860 after replacing the mainspring - to get a nice, clean un-marked one. It was a little too tight, so I used my mill file and shortened the forcing cone just a tad - I also happen to have a 45 degree chamfering tool and applied that afterwards - functions great and shoots a little better too I think.